Acts 2:35

Acts 2:35

This sentence completes the Psalm 110:1 reference, indicating the ongoing future defeat of enemies until they become a “footstool.” The imagery comes from Hebrew poetry and royal metaphor: a conquering king places defeated foes beneath his feet. In the first-century Jewish and Hellenistic world, this metaphor captured victory, dominion, and ordered subjugation. Peter’s audience would hear that Jesus’ reign includes ultimate subjugation of all hostile powers. The phrase “Until I make thy foes thy footstool” points to a provisional period—the present age of church mission where the fullness of this victory is progressively realized. The verse also reinforces the unity of Jesus’ exalted status with his kingship, showing that the Father’s decree of enthronement is tied to the subjugation of enemies—sin, darkness, and rebellion. The rhetorical flow in Acts links Jesus’ resurrection, ascension, and seated enthronement with the expansion of the gospel to all nations.

This verse deepens the understanding of Jesus’ authority over cosmic adversaries. It frames Jesus’ lordship as operative, not merely promised, and as culminating in a future subjugation that remains relevant as the gospel advances. Theologically, it affirms the inaugurated eschatology of the church: believers live in the already-not-yet reality of Jesus’ kingship. It also highlights the unity of the divine plan—Messiah's exaltation and the defeat of foes are inseparable from the Father’s purposes. For believers, this provides assurance that God will finish what he started, and that Jesus’ present reign has real, transformative power over evil and injustice.

Practically, this verse invites Christians to persevere in mission, prayer, and witness, trusting that all opposition will be addressed in God’s timing. It can encourage ethical courage when confronted with unjust powers, reminding us that Jesus’ victory is decisive even when injustices persist. In personal life, it can mean submitting to Jesus’ lordship in everyday choices—finances, relationships, work—knowing he will ultimately set all things right. It also motivates intercessory prayer for justice and mercy, confident that Christ’s authority will extend to every corner of creation.

Cross-References: Psalm 110:1; Luke 1:32-33; Hebrews 1:13; 2:8; 1 Corinthians 15:25-26